"Josh Olson, who adapted the upcoming "A History of Violence" for New Line Cinema and David Cronenberg, has signed on to adapt another comic book for the studio. Olson will adapt "Monster," a best-selling Japanese manga comic book series from author Naoki Urasawa. As part of the deal, Olson will pen a treatment for a sequel, which he also will write. "Monster" is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a young doctor who saves the life of a little boy only to find out a few years later that the life he saved was that of a brilliant killer. The doctor must track down the young killer and solve a larger conspiracy..." (full details)

"Redbus Film Distribution will co-produce the remake of "The Wicker Man" as part of a three-picture deal with Avi Lerner's Nu Image. "The Wicker Man," based on the cult 1973 British horror movie, will be directed by Neil LaBute and star Nicolas Cage. Redbus developed the project before Nu Image took over the financing. Pic begins lensing at the end of the month. Redbus also has picked up U.K. rights to Bruce Beresford's "The Contract," starring John Cusack and Morgan Freeman, and Tobe Hooper's horror movie "Zombies"...." (full details)

"DreamWorks has swooped in and purchased the spec script "Things We Lost in the Fire" by Allan Loeb for Sam Mendes to produce. Story follows a woman whose husband dies suddenly, leaving her alone with two children; she invites her husband's troubled best friend to live with them. As the friend turns his life around, he helps the fractured family confront the emotional void left by the loss. Mendes recently wrapped the Gulf War pic "Jarhead" and is also exec producing DreamWorks' "The Kite Runner," based on the novel by Khaled Hosseini..." (full details)

Thanks to 'KC'